Île Maurice — Rue Rodier

There's nothing like a little jaunt to a far flung tropical island to ease you back into normal life post fashion weeks. I jest. Of course staying in a luxury hotel on a beach in the middle of the Indian ocean is very far from my every day normal life, although it's something I'm becoming a little more accustomed to after visiting the equally tropical and far-flung Maldives islands last September - I do like to think of myself as an expert luxury hotel reviewer by now. (My other hat.) But it certainly helped broaden my horizons after spending two weeks in and out of shows, showing up as my best possible self, even when some days all I wanted to do was hibernate under the covers when the weather was literally raining on my parade. As did the incredible food, swimming in the sea and the two massages I received at the property's U Spa -by far the best massages I've had and this is coming from someone, who is admittedly not the biggest fan of having a stranger's hands slather oil all over my body and kneed their fingers into the nooks and crannies of my shoulder blades. After a couple of eeks and twitches, my lovely masseuse understood exactly what strength I needed to ease the knots in my back - not very much! Yes, I'm a woose.

Having already visited not one, but two Constance properties in the already mentioned Maldives last year, I was very happy when I was invited to discover Constance's Belle Mare Plage property. Named as such for its whiter than white sandy beach that backs onto the property that meets beautiful turquoise blue waters (which are almost bathtub warm - if you're also a woose like me and like your seas soupy, i.e. small waves and above average temperatures), Belle Mare Plage is the perfect getaway if you're considering somewhere tropical. And besides its picturesque setting, the property is also home to the island's premier golf course. Golf, you might say with a slightly sarcastic tone - yep I did too, as I usually associate the sport with retirees..Much to my surprise I really enjoyed playing! In fact, I'd even go as far as to say I was actually quite good at it. If you watch my Stories, you would have seen my swing ;). I think I might have found a new hobby.

The property also has seven restaurants on site, my favourite being the Blue Penny Cellar. One thing I remembered feeling surprised about from the Maldives' properties (apart from literally everything else!) were the wine cellars and the extensive choice of wine (perhaps also because they are on islands in the middle of the ocean.) Constance has a discerning taste in wine and the sommeliers are very knowledgable. At Belle Mare Plage I was once again left admiring the wine list. I'm not a big drinker, but having worked with a wine brand in the past, I can be very fussy about what I fill my glass with. Every wine they served us during our stay was delicious, as was the food - the restaurants are themed differently and serve local dishes with European sensibility, so if you're not one for being very adventurous with your food, you're sure find something tasty. Although I would also suggest sampling the fresh sushi at the Indigo restaurant!

I would also recommend going a little later in the year as we were unfortunately hit with some bad weather (if it's two weeks of solid blue skies that you're after), but as it's an island, any rain does pass quickly! I only wish I could have stayed longer..

Many of you asked about my style during the trip, so I've included a little round-up if you scroll down. Hope you enjoy! xx